The 23 best nail design brands

  • 23 brands ranked
  • Ranked by brand visibility

CND, Mia Secret and Sally Hansen lead our ranking of 23 nail design brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.

Nail Design brands, ranked

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  1. 1

    CND

    Salon-grade UV gel, sculpting liquids and powders, the system many nail techs train on.

    Top products: Nail Sculpting Liquid

    Popularity 10.0/10

  2. 2

    Mia Secret

    Acrylic powders and liquids built for extensions and sculpted nail art.

    Top products: Nail Art Design Brush· Acrylic Collection Powder

    Popularity 7.6/10

  3. 3

    Sally Hansen

    Quick-dry treatments and gel-effect colours, widely sold at accessible prices.

    Top products: Salon Effects· I Love Nail Art Pen· Nail Accents

    Popularity 3.9/10

  4. 4

    Whats Up Nails

    Are you someone who likes to experiment with your makeup looks and is looking for bold colors? If yes, Whats Up Beauty is the perfect brand for you. Whats Up Beauty provides an exclusive and expansive range of products to help you achieve the perfect makeup look. The company also offers nail polish and nail art to help you get the best possible version of your nails for any event or occasion.

    Top products: Florets Stencils· Anchor Stencils· Pure Color 3 Flat Brush

    Popularity 3.1/10

  5. 5

    Cre8tion

    Nail tools, sculpting gels and art accessories sold to pros and home users.

    Top products: 3D Line Gel· Nail Art Effect· Detailing Nail Art Gel

    Popularity 2.9/10

  6. 6

    KONAD

    Original stamping image plates and polishes, the brand that popularised the method.

    Popularity 2.9/10

  7. 7

    MoYou

    London-designed stamping plates with themed image sets for home nail art.

    Popularity 2.9/10

  8. 8

    Dashing Diva

    Press-on nail sets, many needing LED curing or glue, in salon-like finishes.

    Popularity 1.9/10

  9. 9

    Swarovski

    Crystal rhinestones and charms, the glass stones often used for nail embellishment.

    Popularity 1.8/10

  10. 10

    Artlalic

    Pens, brushes and dotting tools for hand-painted designs, from Royal Talens.

    Popularity 1.8/10

  11. 11

    Maybelline New York

    Makeup giant's nail polish line, with Color Show shades at moderate prices.

    Popularity 1.7/10

  12. 12

    essie

    Long-wearing lacquers in a huge shade range, plus base and top coats.

    Popularity 1.6/10

  13. 13

    Born Pretty

    Stickers, stamping plates and gel polish sold cheaply to beginners and pros.

    Popularity 1.6/10

  14. 14

    Gelish

    Brush-in-bottle gel polish that cures under LED or UV lamps in salons.

    Popularity 1.6/10

  15. 15

    LECHAT

    Cuticle protectors, strengtheners and polishes used by nail professionals.

    Popularity 1.5/10

  16. 16

    OPI

    Lacquers with punny shade names like Big Apple Red, plus Infinite Shine gel that can last up to two weeks.

    Popularity 1.3/10

  17. 17

    Revlon

    Enamels from a large beauty group, sold in chain stores and pharmacies.

    Popularity 1.3/10

  18. 18

    Color Club

    Over two hundred and fifty affordable lacquer shades for everyday manicures.

    Popularity 1.3/10

  19. 19

    L.A. COLORS

    Bright-pigment cosmetics line with nail polishes in bold, non-nude shades.

    Popularity 1.2/10

  20. 20

    Cuccio

    Italian spa and salon treatments, plus Veneer colour sold mainly to professionals.

    Popularity 1.2/10

  21. 21

    Makartt

    Affordable all-in-one nail art kits and tools, including gel and manicure accessories.

    Popularity 1.2/10

  22. 22

    Color Street

    Pre-made press-on nail strips sold through independent stylists, applied without lamp.

    Popularity 1.1/10

  23. 23

    Artistic Nail Design

    Gel polish range with many shades, built for working nail artists.

    Popularity 1.1/10

Nail Design Buying Guide

When it comes to nail designs, the possibilities are endless. From intricate patterns to bold and bright colors, there is something for everyone. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect design. In this article, we will provide you with a nail design buying guide to help you pick the right style for your nails.

Consider Your Style

The first thing you need to consider when choosing a nail design is your personal style. Do you prefer bold and bright colors or do you like a more subtle and subdued look? Do you prefer intricate patterns or clean and simple designs?

Once you have determined your style, you can narrow down your options and focus on the designs that best align with your preferences. For example, if you like bold and bright colors, you may want to consider designs with contrasting colors or glitter finishes.

Choose the Occasion

The occasion is also an important factor when choosing a nail design. If you are attending a formal event, you may want to opt for a classic French manicure or a simple nude color. On the other hand, if you are going to a party, you may want to choose a design with bold colors and glitter.

For weddings, you may want to consider designs that incorporate the color scheme of the wedding or complement your outfit. For holidays such as Christmas or Halloween, you may want to choose designs that reflect the festive spirit. The occasion can be a great source of inspiration for your nail design.

Think about Skin Tone

When choosing a nail design, it is also important to consider your skin tone. Certain colors and designs may look better on certain skin tones. For example, if you have a warm skin tone, you may want to opt for colors with yellow or orange undertones. If you have a cool skin tone, you may want to choose colors with blue or pink undertones.

Similarly, certain patterns and designs may complement or contrast with your skin tone. For example, if you have a darker skin tone, you may want to consider designs with brighter colors and bold patterns. If you have a lighter skin tone, you may want to opt for more muted colors and simpler designs.

Consider Nail Shape

The shape of your nails can also influence the type of design that will look best. For example, if you have short nails, you may want to choose designs that do not require a lot of space or intricate patterns that can make your nails look cluttered. If you have long nails, you may want to consider designs that accentuate the length and shape of your nails.

Additionally, the shape of your nails can also influence the positioning of the design. For example, if you have almond-shaped nails, you may want to consider designs that follow the curve of the nail. If you have squared-off nails, you may want to consider designs that are centered on the nail.

Incorporate Trends

Finally, you may also want to consider current nail design trends when choosing a design. Trends can provide inspiration and ideas for your nails, as well as help you stay current and fashionable.

Some current nail design trends include ombré, negative space, and geometric patterns. Ombré involves fading colors from light to dark or vice versa, creating a gradient effect. Negative space involves leaving part of the nail bare or using negative space in the design. Geometric patterns involve using shapes such as triangles, lines, and dots to create a pattern.

Conclusion

Choosing a nail design can be a fun and exciting process, but it can also be challenging due to the abundance of options available. By considering your personal style, the occasion, your skin tone, nail shape, and current trends, you can narrow down your options and choose the perfect design for your nails.

Consider Nail Maintenance

When choosing a nail design, it is also important to consider the level of maintenance required. Some designs may be more high maintenance than others, especially if they involve intricate patterns or require frequent touch-ups.

For example, if you lead an active lifestyle or frequently use your hands, you may want to opt for a design that has a solid color or simple pattern. On the other hand, if you have more time and are willing to put in the effort to maintain your nails, you may want to consider more intricate designs or patterns.

Consult with a Professional

If you are unsure about what type of nail design to choose, it can be helpful to consult with a professional nail technician. They can provide you with guidance on which designs will work best for your nail shape, skin tone, and personal preferences. Additionally, they may have suggestions for designs that you may not have considered or know about.

Professional nail technicians are also knowledgeable about current trends and can provide you with inspiration and ideas for your nails. They can also offer advice on how to maintain your nails and prolong the life of your nail design.

Experiment with Different Designs

Choosing a nail design can be an opportunity to experiment with different styles and patterns. You may want to try out different designs to see what you like best and what works best for your nails.

Additionally, you can use different nail designs to express your creativity and personality. You may want to choose designs that reflect your favorite colors, hobbies, or interests. Nail designs can be a way to showcase your unique style and make a statement.

Final Thoughts

Overall, choosing a nail design can be a fun and creative process. By considering your personal style, the occasion, your skin tone, nail shape, and current trends, you can choose a design that complements your nails and showcases your unique style. Additionally, by consulting with a professional and experimenting with different designs, you can explore a variety of options and find the perfect design for your nails.